On April 12, lawmakers will assemble for the last day of the 60-day session. While the General Assembly concluded the bulk of its work before leaving Frankfort last Friday, it left one of the most critical pieces of legislation for our state and communities uncompleted.

FRANKFORT – During even-year legislative sessions, no other bill gets more attention than the budget, which is understandable, because no other bill directs so many of the General Assembly’s priorities.

Even so, that doesn’t undercut the importance of other legislation also set to become law, and as my colleagues and I prepare to wrap up the 2012 Regular Session on Thursday, there are more than a few of these bills that deserve mention.

The request for a zoning change by the owners of Heritage Hill has ignited a firestorm of opposition. I have, and still do, oppose this change. However, I’ve been saddened that this passionate debate has taken a personal turn.

I’ve lived on Valley View Drive for 36 years. Steve Plenge and Ted Korfhage and their families welcomed me into the neighborhood, and have treated me like family ever since. We have shared chores, equipment, laughs and tears over the fast few decades. We’ve shared the ups and downs that all of us go through in life.

I want to describe and share an experience we encountered in Mount Washington as a family and community members.

As a parent, a human being, a professional social worker, and as a certified prevention specialist I know how important it is to advocate for ourselves and for others. I want our two fraternal twin boys to know that their mom thought enough of them, and her family, and herself to “make the time” to write this letter to the newspaper.